The Stream

Puerto Rico: Broke or broken?

With major social and economic crises, what does the future hold for this US territory?

Puerto Rico is in a death spiral, according to the Caribbean island’s governor. The tiny US territory owes US lenders more than $70 billion dollars, with no way to pay. And Washington has no plans for a bailout. The crushing debt, high crime, few jobs and a health care crisis have triggered mass migration from the island to the mainland. The crisis has renewed debate about how the US should treat its territory and its people. Join us at 19:30 GMT.

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

Luis Gallardo @LuisGallardoPR
Municipal legislator, Aguas Buenas
ppdpr.net

Kenneth McClintock @PRKDMc
Former lieutenant governor, Puerto Rico

Phillip Arroyo @PhillipArroyo
Former White House intern from Puerto Rico
prvotenow.us

Shariana Ferrer @SharianaApesar
Sociologist

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.